I’m really getting quite distressed waking to such sad news this month. No matter what film he was in, you always enjoyed the performance. Alan Rickman was a treasure that kept on giving, and we were richer every time he came on stage.

My good friend John Kenneth Muir wrote a wonderful tribute to the man who redefined a role with his mere presence and extraordinary performance:

“In a sense, Rickman redefined the action movie villain with this trademark role. Gruber was a fully developed bad guy Thanks in large part to Rickman’s efforts, Gruber revealed a sense of humor, rage, irritation and other recognizable human qualities at the same time that he exuded menace. Rickman’s Gruber was a perfect foil for John McClane, and the Die Hardfranchise has yet to produce a villain (a villainous performance) that is of equal substance.”

Be sure read JKM’s tribute, and recall what made Alan Rickman so remarkable, and memorable.

My favourite Rickman moment was in the otherwise underwhelming Sense and Sensibility (probably because I don’t like Hugh G and found Emma T too old for the role). Anyway, Rickman’s Captain says, in his unique no-lips-moving way, with utter understated intensity, ‘Give me a task or I shall go mad’ or something similar. Just magic.

As you already know Michael, I’m heartbroken to hear he’s gone. I think not only did Rickman redefined the action movie villain, he also redefined what it meant to be a hero as well in Sense & Sensibility and Harry Potter films. It’s amazing how he could pull off SO many genres and he seemed right at home in all those variety of roles. He’s fantastic in comedies as well, i.e. Galaxy Quest.

You and me both. Couldn’t agree more with you. Able to turn what appeared to be sinister character in Snape into the most heartbreaking character of the Harry Potter series. And we re-watch ‘Galaxy Quest’ in the man’s honor this month. Alan Rickman will be sorely missed. Thanks, Ruth. 🙂